Inspired by The Dalles Mountain Ranch Road for the 2014 Plein Air Show.
Cobalt Blue Beads
She closed her eyes and turned her face to the west wind. It hit her hard, then slid across her cheek like a lover’s caress. Leaning back against the trunk of the oak tree, she sighed.
Almost time.
This was the old way. To come to the place of her beginning. To await the passing of her spirit from this world.
The old way. Her way.
The shrill cry of the eagle cut through the air, startling her. She looked up. Soaring high above her, the bright white of its head contrasted against the brilliant blue of the summer sky. Majestic. Powerful.
This was her spirit guide. Come to help her finish her journey.
She gazed across the golden yellow hills that rolled away towards the snow covered mountain. Wy’east.
It had been a guiding beacon for her life; Mount Hood.
Closer. The mighty river, Columbia. Nch’i-Wa’na.
Windswept white caps played a game of tag as they raced east against the current. East, towards the morning sun.
She thought she saw the brown humped backs of Wahtonka. Buffalo. Silhouetted on the distant hills.
Have they come to see me off?
She rubbed her eyes and squinted to get a better look. No. It was only a clump of scrub- oak and rocks.
The buffalo were gone. Passed on. Long ago.
Mr. Coyote, “the trickster” came to tease her with thoughts of sweet purple huckleberries and warm starchy camas root. She had no time left for tricks. She reached out her hand and gathered up a rock to toss at him. He was not there.
So many that have passed on before her.
Celilo Falls, named for the sound of the falling water. Just over that hill. There since the beginning of time.
Now gone. With it went the salmon.
She slowly reached into her leather belt pouch and pulled out a small strand of beautiful cobalt blue beads. She rolled the beads back and forth between her fingers, comforted by their smooth, cool, round shape.
A circle. Her life.
The beads had been a gift from her husband. Traded for the last of their beaver skins one winter.
He too was gone. Gone. Following his spirit guide, Salmon, down the river.
Now there would be no one left to bury her. No one except the Creator himself. She was the last “old one” to go.
The buffalo were coming closer.
The eagle called out her name.
It was time.
The wind blew. The sun was warm. Her body was cold. One last gaze at this land from where she had been born. The earth that she loved. The earth where she would now return.
One final breath.
Her eyes closed.
Soaring high above the still body of an old woman, the eagle cried out, then pushed its mighty wings against the power of the wind. It flew towards the setting sun. In its talons dangled a single strand of cobalt blue beads.
Mariah Green says
Oh. My. Gosh. This is amazing. Totally swept me up in it all. I felt like I was there. I felt the emotion. I felt the heat of the sun and the caress of the wind. You are so talented. Love love LOVE this. Just beautiful.
Connie Nice says
Thank you Mariah. I value your thoughts and opinions and glad you liked it. This was a piece that was gifted to me by the Creator at this specific moment on top of the high prairie overlooking the Columbia River. A special moment indeed. Next time you visit, I will take you up there. Amazing. I have a reading for Plein Air Sunday and I’m thinking about reading this piece.
Mariah Green says
Oh, I would LOVE to visit the place that inspired you! Those moments of perfect peace and clarity where the your talents take over are so amazing. I think you should read this! It is so good!
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Connie Nice says
Thank you…we will do that. Next time! I think I am going to read this. I’ve tried putting together a couple of other pieces but I just keep coming back to this. It was given to me as a gift by the Creator and I will feel remiss if I don’t share it.
Debbie says
I’m with Mariah – very well done, my friend! I actually teared up!
Connie Nice says
Debbie, thanks for your comment. I have to admit that this was inspiring to write.
I was just in my closet looking at what to wear tonight for the opening reception and came across a dress that is going to go perfect with my coyote teeth and cobalt blue bead necklace. A conversation starter for sure… since I struggle sometimes with “meet and mingle”.
Cheryl says
/this short story was restful and beautiful. thanks , Connie